Study From the Epistle of  Paul to Titus  

            Study From the Epistle of Paul to Titus,4

In the last chapter three of this pastoral epistle, Paul gives general advice for the entire congregation. First, he highlights the importance of submitting to the authorities. He then reminds the readers (including us) of our past lives before salvation: foolishness , deceivers , serving various lusts , living malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Now after salvation, the whole things are completely different. The fruit of salvation should be clearly apparent in our lives, “not by works of righteous which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Whom He poured on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Verses 5 and 6.

Structure:

Verses 1:8:   graces of the heirs of grace.

Verses 9:11: avoid dissension

Verse 12:14: final messages

Verse 15:    farewell.

Principle 5: verse 3:8: “—those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.”

Lesson 5: after salvation, believers who enjoyed the forgiveness by grace, it is national for them to keep doing the good work in return, not to earn favour of God. It is the fruit of the Spirit that appears in them as a joined effort of the believers and the Holy Spirit who dwells in them.

Principle 6: verse 3:9 “—But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”

Lesson 6: when God is in the argument, the God’s love and truth prevail. Otherwise a dispute or a fight becomes foolish.  8/3/2020